Absorbent pad packaging article and method

ABSTRACT

Feminine sanitary protection packaging is disclosed which includes a combination vaginal insert or insert applicator and an absorbent pad of a sanitary napkin or panty liner configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman. In one aspect, the sanitary napkin or panty liner is rolled laterally to form a laterally rolled combination sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insert or insert applicator. A pouch is positioned around the laterally rolled combination. The pouch provides a means for transporting and disposing of the combination packaging. In one aspect, the vaginal insert includes a tampon or a vaginal suppository. In another aspect, the vaginal insert applicator includes a tampon applicator or a vaginal suppository applicator. In one aspect, the sanitary napkin includes an ultrathin pad or maxipad. In still another aspect, the pouch is sealed and optionally can be perforated on at least one closed end for ease in opening. The pouch can be formed from the release strip of the sanitary napkin or the panty liner and can be used to seal the laterally rolled combination.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/993,024, filed Dec. 18, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,127,and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/993,025, filed Dec. 18, 1997,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,251.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to a feminine sanitary protection absorbentarticle and method designed to protect a user by absorbing or containingmenstrual fluids and other body exudates. More specifically, thisinvention relates to novel feminine sanitary protection packaging whichprovides full and complete sanitary protection, ease in handling,convenience, and discretion in packaging appearance.

2. Background

Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins are designed to absorb bodyfluids, including menses, and may come in different functional designsas grouped into categories. In one category, sanitary napkins areexternally worn about the pudendal area and are designed primarily forheavy flow. Secondly, panty liners or panty shields are thin productsexternally worn about the pudendal area and are developed for lightflow. Thirdly, tampons are designed to be positioned internally withinthe vagina.

INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION

Sanitary napkins, as viewed as a first category of several differentfunctional designs for feminine sanitary protection, can have highabsorptive capacity with either a thin or thick absorptive element.However, compressive forces of the wearer's thighs and pudendal regionduring any physical movement, such as walking, can cause the sanitarynapkin to shift from an original position protecting the vulvar area.After a relatively short period of time, the sanitary napkin may moveaway from the vaginal orifice. The wearer's movement, particularlyvigorous movement such as rapid walking or running, also can causediscomfort such as by rubbing or chafing in the sensitive vulvar area.

In addition to concerns of sanitary napkin movement and wearerdiscomfort, a concern of high degree of wearing awareness may bepresent. Some thick sanitary napkins have a high profile appearance whenviewed through a wearer's outer garments. The sanitary napkins can bevery apparent when worn with tight fitting clothing including slacks,body suits, swimming suits, or similarly thin or close fitting outergarments.

Panty liners or panty shields, as viewed as a second category offunctional designs for feminine sanitary protection, have been developedfor light or low menstrual flows. Some panty liners or panty shieldshave the same concerns associated with sanitary napkins although theirthin profiles make them more flexible, less obtrusive in appearance, andgenerally more comfortable than the bulky sanitary napkins. However, thethin-profile panty liners or panty shields can have a drawback in theperformance area of absorptive capacity.

Tampons, as viewed as a third category of feminine care devices, areworn internally within the vaginal canal to intercept body fluid.Sometimes tampons may not function completely to prevent leakage becauseradial expansion of the tampon within the vaginal canal does not form aperfect seal. Yet without such radial expansion and swelling of thetampon within the vaginal canal, the tampon does not serve as acompletely reliable sanitary protection device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,868, issued to Hyun, discloses a sanitary napkin forabsorbing and collecting a woman's menstrual liquids. An absorbent padis positioned against the woman's abdomen and the skin area between thethighs so as to overlie the vaginal opening. A porous absorbent plugextends from one face of the pad so as to be inserted into the woman'svagina. Menstrual blood and associated secretions flow through theporous plug into the pad for collection and safe retention. The Hyunsanitary napkin does not provide a portable and disposable means ofcarrying vaginal absorbents or suppositories with a panty liner. TheHyun sanitary napkin further does not allow for a woman to use anapplicator and then dispose of it conveniently.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,916, issued to Manko, discloses a kit or case withhinged sections for carrying feminine hygiene materials. The case ismade of a washable material such as canvas or vinyl and is closed by azipper. The Manko kit suffers from the drawbacks of a lack ofdisposability and a lack of a preferred level of discretion.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,620, issued to Barabino, discloses a re-usablemethod of storing and removal of personal hygiene products ranging fromtampons to cosmetics, similar to a pocketbook or purse. The Barabinopurse kit suffers from the drawbacks of a lack of disposability andreusability and does not include tampon applicators with absorbents orsuppositories and liners. The Barabino purse only provides a storagecontainer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,130, issued to DesMarais, discloses a compoundsanitary napkin having a primary menstrual pad and a panty protector.The DesMarais primary menstrual pad and panty protector are joined attheir corresponding ends. The DesMarais compound sanitary napkin doesnot provide a separate, loose device in each package.

A new feminine sanitary protection package is needed which provides fulland complete sanitary protection, ease in handling, convenience, anddiscretion in packaging appearance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent articlefeminine sanitary protection to absorb or contain menstrual fluids andother body exudates, including urine.

Another object of this invention is to provide feminine sanitaryprotection, which is comfortable, physically and psychologically to theuser, to wear and to handle.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide femininesanitary protection, which is capable of absorbing significant amountsof menses and other body exudates, while providing enhanced wearercomfort and a low profile of appearance when viewed through a wearer'souter garments.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide femininesanitary protection which is capable of absorbing significant amounts ofbody fluid while providing enhanced protection against leakage throughto a wearer's outer garments.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide femininesanitary protection which provides full and complete sanitaryprotection, efficiencies in material and manufacturing costs, ease inconsumer handling, convenience, and discretion in packaging appearance.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of thefollowing detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The packaging article and method of the present invention includefeminine sanitary protection packaging having a vaginal insert devicecomprising a vaginal insert or insert applicator, a sanitary napkin orpanty liner or shield configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman,the sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield being rolled or wrappedaround the vaginal insert or insert applicator to form a rolled orwrapped combination sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield and vaginalinsert or insert applicator. A pouch around the rolled or wrappedcombination sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield and vaginal insertor insert applicator provides for transporting and disposing of thecombination sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield and vaginal insertor insert applicator of the present invention.

In one aspect, the sanitary napkin is an ultrathin pad. In one aspect,the sanitary napkin is a maxipad.

In one aspect, the sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield is rolledlaterally around the vaginal insert or insert applicator to form alaterally rolled combination sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginalinsert or insert applicator.

In one aspect, an ultrathin pad or panty liner or shield is C-wrappedaround the vaginal insert or insert applicator to form a C-wrappedcombination ultrathin pad or panty liner and vaginal insert or insertapplicator.

In one aspect, the vaginal insert includes a tampon or a vaginalsuppository. In one aspect, the vaginal insert applicator furtherincludes a tampon applicator or a vaginal suppository applicator.

In another aspect, the pouch is sealed and optionally can be perforatedon at least one closed end for ease in opening.

In still another aspect, the pouch is formed and sealed around thecombination sanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insert or insertapplicator, wherein the pouch is formed from the release strip of thesanitary napkin or panty liner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination of the present invention including a panty linerand a tampon.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination of a panty liner and a tampon partially insertedinto a novel feminine sanitary protection package.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the novel laterally rolled femininesanitary protection package of the present invention including a pantyliner and a tampon combination.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a C-wrapped feminine sanitary protectioncombination of the present invention including a panty liner and atampon.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection combination of a panty liner and a tampon partially insertedinto a novel feminine sanitary protection package.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the novel C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection package of the present invention including a panty liner anda tampon combination.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination of the present invention including a panty linerand a tampon applicator.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination including a panty liner and a tampon applicatorpartially inserted into a novel feminine sanitary protection package.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the novel laterally rolled femininesanitary protection package of the present invention including a pantyliner and a tampon applicator combination.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a C-wrapped feminine sanitary protectioncombination of the present invention including a panty liner and atampon applicator.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection combination including a panty liner and a tampon applicatorpartially inserted into a novel feminine sanitary protection package.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the novel C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection package of the present invention including a panty liner anda tampon applicator combination.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination of the present invention including a panty linerand a tampon.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of the novel laterally rolled femininesanitary protection package of the present invention including a pantyliner and a tampon combination.

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a C-wrapped feminine sanitary protectioncombination of the present invention including a panty liner and atampon.

FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the novel C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection package of the present invention including a panty liner anda tampon combination.

FIG. 17 is an elevation view of a laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination of the present invention including a panty linerand a tampon applicator.

FIG. 18 is an elevation view of the novel laterally rolled femininesanitary protection package of the present invention including a pantyliner and a tampon applicator combination

FIG. 19 is an elevation view of a C-wrapped feminine sanitary protectioncombination of the present invention including a panty liner and atampon applicator.

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the novel C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection package of the present invention including a panty liner anda tampon applicator combination.

FIG. 21 is an elevation view of a laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination of the present invention including a panty linerand a medicinal vaginal insert.

FIG. 22 is an elevation view of the laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination including a panty liner and a medicinal vaginalinsert partially inserted into a novel feminine sanitary protectionpackage.

FIG. 23 is an elevation view of the novel laterally rolled femininesanitary protection package of the present invention including a pantyliner and a medicinal vaginal insert combination.

FIG. 24 is an elevation view of a C-wrapped feminine sanitary protectioncombination of the present invention including a panty liner and amedicinal vaginal insert.

FIG. 25 is an elevation view of the C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection combination including a panty liner and a medicinal vaginalinsert partially inserted into a novel feminine sanitary protectionpackage.

FIG. 26 is an elevation view of the novel C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection package of the present invention including a panty liner anda medicinal vaginal insert combination.

FIG. 27 is an elevation view of a laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination of the present invention including a panty linerand a medicinal vaginal insert.

FIG. 28 is an elevation view of the novel laterally rolled femininesanitary protection package of the present invention including a pantyliner and a medicinal vaginal insert combination.

FIG. 29 is an elevation view of a C-wrapped feminine sanitary protectioncombination of the present invention including a panty liner and amedicinal vaginal insert.

FIG. 30 is an elevation view of the novel C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection package of the present invention including a panty liner anda medicinal vaginal insert combination.

FIG. 31 is an elevation view of a laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination of the present invention including a panty linerand a medicinal vaginal insert applicator.

FIG. 32 is an elevation view of the laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination including a panty liner and a medicinal vaginalinsert applicator partially inserted into a novel feminine sanitaryprotection package.

FIG. 33 is an elevation view of the novel laterally rolled femininesanitary protection package of the present invention including a pantyliner and a medicinal vaginal insert applicator combination.

FIG. 34 is an elevation view of a C-wrapped feminine sanitary protectioncombination of the present invention including a panty liner and amedicinal vaginal insert applicator.

FIG. 35 is an elevation view of the C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection combination including a panty liner and a medicinal vaginalinsert applicator partially inserted into a novel feminine sanitaryprotection package.

FIG. 36 is an elevation view of the novel C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection package of the present invention including a panty liner anda medicinal vaginal insert applicator combination.

FIG. 37 is an elevation view of a laterally rolled feminine sanitaryprotection combination of the present invention including a panty linerand a medicinal vaginal insert applicator.

FIG. 38 is an elevation view of the novel laterally rolled femininesanitary protection package of the present invention including a pantyliner and a medicinal vaginal insert applicator combination.

FIG. 39 is an elevation view of a C-wrapped feminine sanitary protectioncombination of the present invention including a panty liner and amedicinal vaginal insert applicator.

FIG. 40 is an elevation view of the novel C-wrapped feminine sanitaryprotection package of the present invention including a panty liner anda medicinal vaginal insert applicator combination.

FIG. 41 is a plan view of a panty liner component of the presentinvention.

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 42--42 of FIG. 41,of a panty liner component of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a plan view of a panty liner component of the presentinvention.

FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 44--44 of FIG. 43,of a panty liner component of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a plan view of the construction of a tampon component of thepresent invention.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of an uncompressed tampon component of thepresent invention.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a tampon component of the presentinvention.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a tampon applicator component of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, a novel feminine sanitary protection packaging and method have beendeveloped which provide full and complete sanitary protection,efficiencies in material and manufacturing costs, ease in consumerhandling, convenience, and discretion in packaging appearance.

The feminine sanitary protection packaging of the present inventionprovides a sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield combined around oneor more vaginal inserts or vaginal insert applicators containingabsorbents or medical devices for easy handling and use and easydisposal. In one aspect, the sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield islaterally rolled around a tampon. In one aspect, the sanitary napkin orpanty liner or shield is laterally rolled around a medical device suchas a medicinal suppository. In one aspect, an ultrathin pad or pantyliner or shield is longitudinally C-wrapped around a tampon. In oneaspect, the ultrathin pad or panty liner or shield is longitudinallyC-wrapped around a medical device such as a medicinal suppository.

By sanitary napkin, it is meant an ultrathin pad or a maxipad asdescribed in detail herein below.

By vaginal insertion device, it is meant a vaginal insert or vaginalinsert applicator. By vaginal insert, it is meant a tampon or vaginalmedicine insert such as a vaginal suppository. By vaginal insertapplicator, it is meant a tampon applicator or a vaginal medicine insertapplicator such as a vaginal suppository applicator.

The novel sanitary protection package fills a woman's need to have anabsorbent pad or panty liner or shield readily accessible when usingabsorbent substances such as tampons or vaginal suppositories, e.g.,such as for yeast infections. At the same time, the sanitary protectionpackage of the present invention minimizes the use of superfluousmaterials, e.g., such as peel strip, extra packaging pouch, and thelike.

The novel feminine sanitary protection packaging article and methodprovide a an absorbent pad or panty liner or shield laterally rolled orlongitudinally C-wrapped around a separate plastic or paper applicatorwhich contains substances such as absorbents, for menstrual use, ormedications, e.g., such as for vaginal infections. The absorbent pad orpanty liner or shield might also be laterally rolled or longitudinallyC-wrapped directly around a device without an applicator.

In one aspect, the present invention includes a pouch component and thecombination of an absorbent pad or a panty liner or shield partiallysurrounding one or more applicators containing absorbents or medicaldevices. The combination of the an absorbent pad or panty liner orshield around separate applicators containing absorbents or medicaldevices in one pouch provides a more discreet, convenient, and portableoption than carrying the devices separately. The pouch, made with eitherbiodegradable or non-biodegradable materials, serves to protect theadhesive element prior to wear and acts as a packaging agent for bothproducts.

Sanitary napkins, also referred to as catamenial or feminine pads, andpanty liners are described in Serbiak et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,248,309;DiPalma et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,916; and DiPalma et al., U.S. Pat.No. 5,609,588, which are hereby incorporated by reference and includedherein as if they were repeated verbatim.

Sanitary napkins, also referred to as catamenial or feminine pads, aredesigned to be worn by a female to absorb medium to heavy flow of bodyfluids such as menses, blood, urine, and other excrements discharged bythe body during a menstrual period. Sanitary napkins are externaldevices which are designed to be aligned approximate the pudendum regionof the human body and are generally held in position by being adhesivelyor mechanically attached to an undergarment. Such products differ fromtampons which are classified as internal devices and are designed to bephysically inserted into the vaginal cavity.

Sanitary napkins include ultrathins and maxipads and differ from pantyliners and panty shields in several noticeable ways. Sanitary napkinsare generally larger in size, have a more defined three-dimensionalconfiguration, are thicker in caliper, and are bulkier in appearancethan panty liners or panty shields.

Functionally, sanitary napkins are different in that they areconstructed to absorb a greater quantity of body fluid and are designedso that they can be worn for a longer period of time, for example,overnight, if needed.

Since sanitary napkins normally are used during the major dischargeportion of a menstrual period, they are constructed to handle medium toheavy flows and commonly have a total absorbent capacity in the range ofabout 20 to 50 grams of fluid. Panty liners and panty shields, on theother hand, are designed to absorb relatively small amounts of bodyfluids and are marketed to be used at the beginning and end of amenstrual period when flow is light or spotty. Commercially availablepanty liners and panty shields are constructed to have a total absorbentcapacity in the range of about 1 to 15 grams of fluid.

Panty liners or panty shields have a caliper of about 0.1 to 4 mm, asindicated in Table I. Ultrathin pads have a caliper of about 3-5 mm.Maxipads have a caliper of about 6 mm and higher. See Table I.

                  TABLE I                                                         ______________________________________                                                   Caliper  Absorbent Capacity                                        ______________________________________                                        Panty Liners 0.1 to 4 mm                                                                              <1 to 15 grams of fluid                               Ultrathin Pads                                                                             3-5 mm     20 to 50 grams                                        Maxipads     6 mm +     20 to 50 grams of fluid                               ______________________________________                                    

Absorbent Capacity Testing Method

The absorbent capacity of the sanitary napkin can be determined by thefollowing test. In performing this test, one napkin is sufficient. Thesanitary napkin to be tested first is conditioned by leaving it in aroom which is at 21±1° C. and at 50±2% relative humidity for a period oftwo hours. If the napkin contains a peel strip, this is removed. Theentire napkin, minus any peel strip, is weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram.The napkin is then submerged in a beaker of stabilized isotonic salinewhich contains no preservatives. A suitable sterile saline iscommercially sold by Baxter Traven of Company of Deerfield, Ill. undercatalog no. B3158-2. The napkin is submerged totally and is not bent orotherwise twisted or folded. The napkin is submerged for 10 minutes. Thenapkin is removed from the saline and suspended for two minutes in avertical position to allow the saline to drain out of the napkin. Thenapkin then is placed with the body-side cover face down on an absorbentblotter. The blotter can be filter paper no. ED 631-25 available fromthe Ahlstrom Filtration Inc., Mount Holly Springs, Pa. 17065. A uniform17.6 grams per square centimeter load is placed over the napkin tosqueeze out excess fluid. The absorbent blotter is replaced every 30seconds until the amount of fluid transferred to the absorbent blotteris less than 0.5 grams in a 30 second period. Next, the napkin isweighed to the nearest 0.1 gram, and the dry weight of the napkin issubtracted. The difference in grams is the capacity of the napkin.

The novel sanitary protection package combination of the presentinvention provides efficiencies in material and manufacturing costs andease in consumer handling.

An advantage for such a packaging combination is that it convenientlycontains all the products a women needs to feel fresh and completelyprotected, i.e., 100% protected, from stains on her undergarments oradjacent clothing. The novel sanitary protection package combination ofthe present invention provides women with an almost zero chance ofexperiencing staining on their undergarments when using these productstogether.

The product is more discreet and convenient than carrying two separatedevices. A woman does not need to go out and buy two separate products,thereby saving money and time. Nor does she need to carry them aroundseparately, and make sure when it comes time to use them that bothseparate packages still are available.

The packaging keeps them both fresh and protected from contamination.

In one aspect, the invention eliminates the need for a release strip onthe adhesive-backed product since a sheet backing protects the adhesiveelement. The sheet also serves as a pouch which can be sealed togetherto enclose the combination panty liner and vaginal insert or insertapplicator.

The novel feminine sanitary protection combination packaging provide aconvenience of a discreet, convenient, portable system for carryingexternally worn absorbent pads when using absorbent substances such astampons or vaginal suppositories or vaginal creams, e.g., such as foryeast infections.

The pouch component of the present invention provides an individualpouch for transporting the combination of sanitary napkin or panty lineror shield laterally rolled or longitudinally C-wrapped around separateapplicators containing absorbents or medical devices. The pouch keepsthe combination package clean when kept and carried in a woman's purseand when it has been stored in the purse for awhile. The pouch componentkeeps the combination package sanitary in a purse, briefcase, backpack,car, or in a drawer.

The pouch component provides an individual pouch for disposing of thecombination of the sanitary napkin or panty liner or panty shield andvaginal insert or insert applicator.

For attractive appearance, the individual pouch preferably is composedof a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, but may becomposed of other materials, e.g., such as polyethylene oxide (PEO),polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polycaporolactone (PCL), paper, or a nonwovenmaterial, e.g., such as spunbond/meltblown.

Referring now to the drawings, similar components in all of the drawingsare referenced using the same identifying numerals.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a sanitary protection device includes acombination of a panty shield 12 and a tampon 14. The panty shield 12has an hour glass shape, but may have an oval, straight, or race trackshape, having a first end 16, a second end 17, and a middle 18. Thepanty shield 12 has a central longitudinal axis X--X. The tampon 14 isshown placed in a position near the middle 18 and is positionedtransverse to the length of the device 10 and transverse to thelongitudinal axis X--X of the panty shield 12. The combination of thepanty shield 12 and the tampon 14 are rolled up by placing the tampon 14near one end, i.e., either first end 16 or second end 17, and rollingthe panty shield 12 laterally beginning with that end where the vaginalinsert device of the tampon 14 is placed for rolling, to form a rolledcombination 20. The rolled combination 20 is rolled in such a mannerthat a release strip backing 22 of the panty shield 12 is showing on theexterior of the rolled combination 20. The rolled combination 20 in thecase of a panty liner and tampon combination typically will place thepanty liner wrapped around the tampon to the extent of 720 degrees, byway of example. The rolled combination 20 is placed in a package 24having a closed or sealed end 26. The package 24 can then be closed offat an opposite end 28. The package 24 can be closed at both ends 26 and28 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, a sanitary protection device 210 includes acombination of a panty liner 12 and a tampon 14. The panty liner 12 hasan hour glass shape, but may have an oval, straight, or race trackshape. The panty liner 12 has a first end 16, a second end 17, a middlesection 18, a first side 19, and a second side 21. The panty liner 12has a central longitudinal axis X--X. The tampon 14 is shown placed in aposition near the middle section 18 and is positioned parallel to thelength of the device 210 and coaxially aligned to the longitudinal axisX--X of the panty liner 12. The combination of the panty liner 12 andthe tampon 14 are longitudinally C-wrapped up by placing the tampon 14near one side, i.e., either first side 19 or second side 21, andC-wrapping the panty liner 12 longitudinally beginning with that sidewhere the vaginal insert device of the tampon 14 is placed forC-wrapping, to form a longitudinally C-wrapped combination 220. Thelongitudinally C-wrapped combination 220 is longitudinally C-wrapped insuch a manner that a release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 isshowing on the exterior of the longitudinally C-wrapped combination 220.The longitudinally C-wrapped combination 220 in the case of a pantyliner and tampon combination typically will place the panty linerwrapped around the tampon to the extent of 360 degrees, by way ofexample. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination 220 is placed in apackage 224 having a closed or sealed end 226. The package 224 can thenbe closed off at an opposite end 228 as shown in FIG. 6. The package 224can be closed at both ends 226 and 228 by ultrasonic sealing, heatsealing, adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, a sanitary protection device 30 includes acombination of a panty shield 12 and a tampon applicator outer tube 34and a plunger 35. A tampon having withdrawal string 132 is positioned inthe outer tube 34, and the plunger 35 is designed to be inserted intothe outer tube 34. The panty shield 12 has an oval, straight, racetrack, or hour glass shape with a first end 16, a second end 17, and amiddle 18. The panty shield 12 has a central longitudinal axis X--X. Thetampon applicator, consisting of an outside tube 34 and a plunger 35, isshown placed in a position near middle 18. Both the outside tube 34 andthe plunger 35 are positioned transverse to the length of the device 30and transverse to the longitudinal axis X--X of the panty shield 12. Thecombination of the panty shield 12 and the tampon applicator 34 and theplunger 35 are rolled up by placing the tampon applicator 34 and theplunger 35 near one end and rolling the panty shield 12 laterallybeginning with that end where the vaginal insert device is placed forrolling, i.e., either the first end 16 or the second end 17, to form arolled combination 40. The rolled combination 40 is rolled in such amanner that a release strip backing 22 of the panty shield 12 is showingon the exterior of the rolled combination 40. The rolled combination 40is placed in a package 24 having a closed or sealed end 26. The package24 then can be closed at the opposite end 28. The package 24 can beclosed at both ends 26 and 28 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing,adhesive, or embossing. The package 24 can be made of a materialpreferably composed of a plastic material such as polyethylene orpolypropylene, but may be composed of other materials, e.g., such aspolyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polycaporolactone(PCL), paper, or a nonwoven material, e.g., such as spunbond/meltblown.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, a sanitary protection device 230 includesa combination of a panty liner 12 and a tampon applicator outer tube 34and a plunger 35. A tampon having withdrawal string 132 is positioned inthe outer tube 34, and the plunger 35 is designed to be telescopicallymoveable when it is inserted into the outer tube 34. The panty liner 12has an oval, straight, race track, or hour glass shape with a first end16, a second end 17, a middle section 18, a first side 19, and a secondside 21. The panty liner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X--X. Thetampon applicator, consisting of an outside tube 34 and a plunger 35, isshown placed in a position near central longitudinal axis X--X. Both theoutside tube 34 and the plunger 35 are positioned parallel to the lengthof the device 230 and coaxially aligned with or parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis X--X of the panty liner 12. The combination of thepanty liner 12 and the tampon applicator 34 and the plunger 35 arelongitudinally C-wrapped up by placing the tampon applicator 34 and theplunger 35 near one side and C-wrapping the panty liner 12longitudinally beginning with that side where the vaginal insert deviceis placed for C-wrapping, i.e., either the first side 19 or the secondside 21, to form a longitudinally C-wrapped combination 240. Thelongitudinally C-wrapped combination 240 is longitudinally C-wrapped insuch a manner that a release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 isshowing on the exterior of the longitudinally C-wrapped combination 240.The longitudinally C-wrapped combination 240 is placed in a package 224having a closed or sealed end 226. The package 224 then can be closed atthe opposite end 228 as shown in FIG. 12. The package 224 can be closedat both ends 226 and 228 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive,or embossing. The package 224 can be made of a material preferablycomposed of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene,but may be composed of other materials, e.g., such as polyethylene oxide(PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polycaporolactone (PCL), paper, or anonwoven material, e.g., such as spunbond/meltblown.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a sanitary protection device 50includes a combination of a panty shield 52 and a tampon 14. The pantyshield 52 can have an oval, straight, race track, or hour glass shapewith a first end 56, a second end 57, and a middle 58. The panty shield52 has a central longitudinal axis X--X. The panty liner 52 has abacking 60 composed of a material preferably composed of a plasticmaterial such as polyethylene or polypropylene, but may be composed ofother materials, e.g., such as polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylalcohol (PVOH), polycaporolactone (PCL), paper, or a nonwoven material,e.g., such as spunbond/meltblown.

The tampon 14 is shown placed in a position near the middle 58 and ispositioned transverse to the length of the device 50 and the transversecentral longitudinal axis X--X. The combination of the panty shield 52and the tampon 14 is rolled up by placing the tampon 14 near one end androlling the panty shield 52 laterally beginning with that end where thevaginal insert device is placed for rolling, i.e., either the first end56 or the second end 57, to form a rolled combination panty shield andtampon to be placed in a pouch 70. The rolled combination pouch 70 iscomposed of a backing 60. The rolled combination pouch 70 has a closedend 72 and an opposite end 74. The rolled combination pouch 70 can beclosed and sealed at both ends 72 and 74 after the tampon 14 is rolledup in the panty liner 52. The rolled combination pouch 70 can be closedand sealed at both ends 72 and 74 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing,adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, a sanitary protection device 250includes a combination of a panty liner 52 and a tampon 14. The pantyliner 52 can have an oval, straight, race track, or hour glass shapewith a first end 56, a second end 57, a middle section 58, a first side59, and a second side 61. The panty liner 52 has a central longitudinalaxis X--X. The panty liner 52 has a backing 60 composed of a materialpreferably composed of a plastic material such as polyethylene orpolypropylene, but may be composed of other materials, e.g., such aspolyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polycaporolactone(PCL), paper, or a nonwoven material, e.g., such as spunbond/meltblown.

The tampon 14 is shown placed in a position near the middle section 58and is positioned parallel to the length of the device 250 and coaxiallyaligned with or parallel to the central longitudinal axis X--X. Thecombination of the panty liner 52 and the tampon 14 is longitudinallyC-wrapped up by placing the tampon 14 near one side and C-wrapping thepanty liner 52 longitudinally beginning with that side where the vaginalinsert device is placed for C-wrapping, i.e., either the first side 59or the second side 61, to form a longitudinally C-wrapped combinationpanty liner and tampon to be placed in a pouch 270. The longitudinallyC-wrapped combination pouch 270 is composed of the backing 60. Thelongitudinally C-wrapped combination pouch 270 has a closed end 272 andan opposite end 274. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination pouch 270can be closed and sealed at both ends 272 and 274 after the tampon 14 islongitudinally C-wrapped up in the panty liner 52. The longitudinallyC-wrapped combination pouch 270 can be closed and sealed at both ends272 and 274 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive, or embossing.

The backing 60 protects the adhesive side of the panty liner 52 so thatthe adhesive remains clean prior to attachment of the panty shield 52 tothe crotch of a wearer's panty. The backing 60 is oversize in the sensethat it is a larger in dimension than the panty shield 52. The backing60 can be a rectangle in shape having dimensions in the range of about17-21 cm in length and about 6.5 to 10.5 cm in width as compared to apanty liner 52 having dimensions of about 16 cm length and about 5.5 cmwidth. Since the dimensions of the panty liner 52 can vary, the backing60 can be a rectangle in shape having dimensions in the range of about1-5 cm more in length and about 1 to 5 cm more in width than the pantyliner 52. By oversize dimension, it is meant larger than the panty liner52. The purpose of the oversize dimension of backing 60 is to providefor the packaging pouch component of the present invention.

The backing 60 protects the adhesive side of the panty liner 52 andeliminates the need for a release strip on the adhesive backed pantyliner. The backing 60 can be a sheet which is sized to protect theadhesive element of the panty liner 52. The backing 60 also serves as atransporting and disposing pouch which is sealed to protect thecleanliness of the panty liner 52 and tampon 14.

The backing 60 is designed to serve as a releasable peel strip to beremoved by the user prior to attachment of the absorbent article 52 tothe inner crotch portion of her undergarment. The backing 60 serving asa releasable peel strip can be a white Kraft paper which is coated onone side so that it can be released readily from the adhesive side ofthe panty liner 52. The coating can be a silicone coating, such as asilicone polymer commercially available from Akrosil having an officelocated at 206 Garfield Avenue, Menasha, Wis. 54952.

The backing 60 can be composed of a material which is selected for itsability to be flushable or biodegradable.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, a sanitary protection device 80includes a combination of a panty shield 52, and a tampon applicatorcomprising an outer tube 34 and an inner tube 35. The outer tube 34 isdesigned to house an absorbent tampon. The inner tube 35 is designed tobe telescopically slidable within the outer tube 34 so as to expel thetampon having withdrawal string 132 from an end of the outer tube 34 andposition it into the vagina of a user.

The panty shield 52 can be an oval, race track, straight, or hour glassshape and has a first end 56, a second end 57, and a middle 58. Thepanty shield 52 has central longitudinal axis X--X. The panty liner 52has a backing 60 which is larger in size dimension than the panty liner52.

The tampon applicator outside tube 34 and the inner tube or plunger 35are shown placed in a position near the middle 58 of the panty shield 52and are positioned transverse to the length of the device 80 andtransverse to the central longitudinal axis X--X. The combination of thepanty shield 52 and the tampon applicator outside tube 34 and theplunger 35 are rolled up by placing the tampon applicator outside tube34 and the plunger 35 near one end and rolling the panty shield 52laterally beginning with that end where the vaginal insert device isplaced for rolling, i.e., either the first end 56 or the second end 57,to form a rolled combination panty shield and tampon in the pouch 70.The rolled combination pouch 70 is composed of the backing 60. Therolled combination pouch 70 has a closed or sealed end 72 and closed orsealed opposite end 74. The rolled combination pouch 70 can be closedand sealed at both ends 72 and 74 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing,adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, a sanitary protection device 280includes a combination of a panty liner 52, and a tampon applicatorcomprising an outer tube 34 and an inner tube 35. The outer tube 34 isdesigned to house an absorbent tampon. The inner tube 35 is designed tobe telescopically slidable within the outer tube 34 so as to expel thetampon having withdrawal string 132 from an end of the outer tube 34 andposition it into the vagina of a user.

The panty liner 52 can be an oval, race track, straight, or hour glassshape and has a first end 56, a second end 57, a middle section 58, afirst side 59, and a second side 61. The panty liner 52 has centrallongitudinal axis X--X. The panty liner 52 has a backing 60 which islarger in size dimension than the panty liner 52.

The backing 60 protects the adhesive side of the panty liner 52 so thatthe adhesive is not contaminated prior to attachment to the crotch of awearer's panty. The backing 60 is oversize in the sense that it islarger in dimension than the panty liner 52. The backing 60 can be arectangle in shape having dimensions in the range of about 17-21 cm inlength and about 6.5 to 10.5 cm in width as compared to a panty liner 52having dimensions of about 16 cm length and about 5.5 cm width. Sincethe dimensions of the panty liner 52 can vary, the backing 60 can be arectangle in shape having dimensions in the range of about 1-5 cm morein length and about 1 to 5 cm more in width than the panty liner 52. Byoversize dimension, it is meant larger than the panty liner 52. Thepurpose of the oversize dimension of backing 60 is to provide for thepackaging pouch component of the present invention.

The tampon applicator outside tube 34 and the inner tube or plunger 35are shown placed in a position near the central longitudinal axis X--Xof the panty liner 52 and are positioned parallel to the length of thedevice 280 and coaxially aligned with or parallel to the centrallongitudinal axis X--X. The combination of the panty liner 52 and thetampon applicator outside tube 34 and the plunger 35 are longitudinallyC-wrapped up by placing the tampon applicator outside tube 34 and theplunger 35 near one side and C-wrapping the panty liner 52longitudinally beginning with that side where the vaginal insert deviceis placed for C-wrapping, i.e., either the first side 59 or the secondside 61, to form a longitudinally C-wrapped combination panty liner andtampon in the pouch 270. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination pouch270 is composed of the backing 60. The longitudinally C-wrappedcombination pouch 270 has a closed or sealed end 272 and closed orsealed opposite end 274. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination pouch270 can be closed and sealed at both ends 272 and 274 by ultrasonicsealing, heat sealing, adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, a sanitary protection device 110 includesa combination of a panty shield 12 and a vaginal suppository 114. Thepanty shield 12 can have an oval, straight, race track, or hour glassshape having a first end 16, a second end 17, and a middle 18. The pantyshield 12 has a central longitudinal axis X--X. The vaginal suppository114 is shown placed in a position near the middle 18 and is positionedtransverse to the length of the device 110 and transverse to thelongitudinal axis X--X of the panty shield 12. The combination of thepanty shield 12 and the vaginal suppository 114 are rolled up by placingvaginal suppository 114 near one end and rolling the panty shield 12laterally beginning with that end where the vaginal insert device isplaced for rolling, i.e., either the first end 16 or the second end 17,to form a rolled combination 120. The rolled combination 120 is rolledin such a manner that a release strip backing 22 of the panty shield 12is showing on the exterior of the rolled combination 120. The rolledcombination 120 is placed in a package 24 having a closed end 26. Thepackage 24 can then be closed at opposite end 28. The package 24 can beclosed at both ends 26 and 28 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing,adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-26, a sanitary protection device 260 includesa combination of a panty liner 12 and a vaginal suppository 114. Thepanty liner 12 can have an oval, straight, race track, or hour glassshape having a first end 16, a second end 17, a middle section 18, afirst side 19, and a second side 21. The panty liner 12 has a centrallongitudinal axis X--X. The vaginal suppository 114 is shown placed in aposition near the middle section 18 and is positioned parallel to thelength of the device 260 and coaxially aligned with or parallel to thelongitudinal axis X--X of the panty liner 12. The combination of thepanty liner 12 and the vaginal suppository 114 are longitudinallyC-wrapped up by placing vaginal suppository 114 near one side andC-wrapping the panty liner 12 longitudinally beginning with that sidewhere the vaginal insert device is placed for C-wrapping, i.e., eitherthe first side 19 or the second side 21, to form a longitudinallyC-wrapped combination 290. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination 290is longitudinally C-wrapped in such a manner that a release stripbacking 22 of the panty liner 12 is showing on the exterior of thelongitudinally C-wrapped combination 290. The longitudinally C-wrappedcombination 290 is placed in a package 224 having a closed end 226. Thepackage 224 can then be closed at opposite end 228. The package 224 canbe closed at both ends 226 and 228 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing,adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-28, a sanitary protection device 150 includesa combination of a panty shield 52 and a vaginal suppository 114. Thepanty shield 52 can have an oval, straight, race track, or hour glassshape having a first end 56, a second end 57, and a middle 58. The pantyshield 52 has a central longitudinal axis X--X. The panty liner 52 has abacking 60.

The vaginal suppository 114 is shown placed in a position near themiddle 58 and is positioned transverse to the length of the device 150and transverse to the central longitudinal axis X--X. The combination ofthe panty shield 52 and the vaginal suppository 114 are rolled up byplacing the vaginal suppository 114 near one end and rolling the pantyshield 52 laterally beginning with that end where the vaginal insertdevice is placed for rolling, i.e., either a first end 56 or a secondend 57, to form a rolled combination of the panty shield 52 and thevaginal suppository 114 in pouch 70. The rolled combination pouch 70 iscomposed of the backing 60. The rolled combination pouch 70 has closedor sealed end 72 and closed or sealed opposite end 74. The rolledcombination pouch 70 can be closed and sealed at both ends 72 and 74 byultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-30, a sanitary protection device 292 includesa combination of a panty liner 52 and a vaginal suppository 114. Thepanty liner 52 can have an oval, straight, race track, or hour glassshape having a first end 56, a second end 57, a middle section 58, afirst side 59, and a second side 61. The panty liner 52 has a centrallongitudinal axis X--X. The panty liner 52 has a backing 60.

The vaginal suppository 114 is shown placed in a position near themiddle section 58 and is positioned parallel to the length of the device292 and coaxially aligned with or parallel to the central longitudinalaxis X--X. The combination of the panty liner 52 and the vaginalsuppository 114 are longitudinally C-wrapped up by placing the vaginalsuppository 114 near one side and C-wrapping the panty liner 52longitudinally beginning with that side where the vaginal insert deviceis placed for C-wrapping, i.e., either a first side 59 or a second side61, to form a longitudinally C-wrapped combination of the panty liner 52and the vaginal suppository 114 in pouch 270. The longitudinallyC-wrapped combination pouch 270 is composed of the backing 60. Thelongitudinally C-wrapped combination pouch 270 has closed or sealed end272 and closed or sealed opposite end 274. The longitudinally C-wrappedcombination pouch 270 can be closed and sealed at both ends 272 and 274by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-33, a sanitary protection device 160 includesa combination of a panty shield 12 and a vaginal suppository applicatorouter tube 140 and inner tube 142. The vaginal suppository applicatorouter tube 140 contains a medicinal suppository (not shown) to bepositioned inside a body cavity of a woman. The panty shield 12 can havean oval, straight, race track, or hour glass shape having a first end16, a second end 17, and a middle 18. The panty shield 12 has a centrallongitudinal axis X--X. The vaginal suppository applicator outer tube140 and inner tube 142 is shown placed in a position near the middle 18and is positioned transverse to the length of the device 160 andtransverse to the longitudinal axis X--X of the panty shield 12. Thecombination of the panty shield 12 and the vaginal suppositoryapplicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 are rolled up by placingvaginal suppository applicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 nearone end and rolling the panty shield 12 laterally beginning with thatend where the vaginal insert device is placed for rolling, i.e., eitherthe first end 16 or the second end 17, to form a rolled combination 170.The rolled combination 170 is rolled in such a manner that a releasestrip backing 22 of the panty shield 12 is showing on the exterior ofthe rolled combination 170. The rolled combination 170 is placed in apackage 24 having a closed end 26. The package 24 can then be closed atopposite end 28. The package 24 can be closed at both ends 26 and 28 byultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 34-36, a sanitary protection device 294 includesa combination of a panty liner 12, a vaginal suppository 114, and avaginal suppository applicator 140. The vaginal suppository applicator140 is designed to position a medicinal suppository 114 inside a bodycavity of a woman. The panty liner 12 can have an oval, straight, racetrack, or hour glass shape having a first end 16, a second end 17, amiddle section 18, a first side 19, and a second side 21. The pantyliner 12 has a central longitudinal axis X--X. The vaginal suppositoryapplicator 140 and the vaginal suppository 114 are shown placed in aposition near the middle section 18 and is positioned parallel to thelength of the device 294 and coaxially aligned with or parallel to thelongitudinal axis X--X of the panty liner 12. The combination of thepanty liner 12 and the vaginal suppository applicator 140 arelongitudinally C-wrapped up by placing vaginal suppository applicator140 near one side and C-wrapping the panty liner 12 longitudinallybeginning with that side where the vaginal insert device is placed forC-wrapping, i.e., either the first side 19 or the second side 21, toform a longitudinally C-wrapped combination 296. The longitudinallyC-wrapped combination 296 is longitudinally C-wrapped in such a mannerthat a release strip backing 22 of the panty liner 12 is showing on theexterior of the longitudinally C-wrapped combination 296. Thelongitudinally C-wrapped combination 296 is placed in a package 224having a closed end 226. The package 224 can then be closed at oppositeend 228. The package 224 can be closed at both ends 226 and 228 byultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 37-38, a sanitary protection device 180 includesa combination of a panty shield 52 and a vaginal suppository applicatorouter tube 140 and inner tube 142. The vaginal suppository applicator140 contains a medicinal suppository (not shown) to be positioned insidea body cavity of a woman. The panty shield 52 can have an oval,straight, race track, or hour glass shape having a first end 56, asecond end 57, and a middle 58. The panty shield 52 has a centrallongitudinal axis X--X. The panty liner 52 has a backing 60.

The vaginal suppository applicator tubes 140 and 142 are shown placed ina position near the middle 58 and are positioned transverse to thelength of the device 180 and transverse to the central longitudinal axisX--X. The combination of the panty shield 52 and the vaginal suppositoryapplicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142 are rolled up by placingthe vaginal suppository applicator outer tube 140 and inner tube 142near one end and rolling the panty shield 52 laterally beginning withthat end where the vaginal insert device is placed for rolling, i.e.,either a first end 56 or a second end 57, to form a rolled combinationof the panty shield 52 and the vaginal suppository applicator outer tube140 and inner tube 142 in pouch 70. The rolled combination pouch 70 iscomposed of the backing 60. The rolled combination pouch 70 has closedor sealed end 72 and closed or sealed opposite end 74. The rolledcombination pouch 70 can be closed and sealed at both ends 72 and 74 byultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive, or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 39-40, a sanitary protection device 298 includesa combination of a panty liner 52, a vaginal suppository 114, and avaginal suppository applicator 140. The vaginal suppository applicator140 is designed to position a medicinal suppository 114 inside a bodycavity of a woman. The panty liner 52 can have an oval, straight, racetrack, or hour glass shape having a first end 56, a second end 57, amiddle section 58, a first side 59, and a second side 61. The pantyliner 52 has a central longitudinal axis X--X. The panty liner 52 has abacking 60.

The vaginal suppository 114 and vaginal suppository applicator 140 areshown placed in a position near the middle section 58 and is positionedparallel to the length of the device 292 and coaxially aligned with orparallel to the central longitudinal axis X--X. The combination of thepanty liner 52 and the vaginal suppository applicator 140 arelongitudinally C-wrapped up by placing the vaginal suppositoryapplicator 140 near one side and C-wrapping the panty liner 52longitudinally beginning with that side where the vaginal insert deviceis placed for C-wrapping, i.e., either a first side 59 or a second side61, to form a longitudinally C-wrapped combination of the panty liner 52and the vaginal suppository applicator 140 in pouch 270. Thelongitudinally C-wrapped combination pouch 270 is composed of thebacking 60. The longitudinally C-wrapped combination pouch 270 hasclosed or sealed end 272 and closed or sealed opposite end 274. Thelongitudinally C-wrapped combination pouch 270 can be closed and sealedat both ends 272 and 274 by ultrasonic sealing, heat sealing, adhesive,or embossing.

Referring now to FIGS. 41-44, the panty shield 12 or 52 is shown whichcan be mass produced and packaged by the method of this invention. Aplurality of identically shaped articles 12 or 52 can be manufactured byforming a sheet or web of absorbent material and then cutting orstamping out the articles 12 and 52. When forming a plurality of sucharticles 12 or 52 from paper, cardboard, or absorbent material, it maybe advantageous to use a sheet or web of material consisting of a singlelayer. However, many absorbent pad articles 12 and 52, such as sanitarynapkins, panty liners, or panty shields, are formed from multiple layersof different and distinct materials.

The absorbent pad articles 12 and 52 have an exterior profile in theshape of an hourglass and have a central longitudinal axis X--X.Absorbent pad articles 12 and 52 can have other shapes, e.g., such as astraight or rectangular shape, an oval shape, or a race track shape,designed to cover the pudendal region of a woman. Most absorbentarticles 12 and 52 are longer than they are wide.

Such sanitary napkins, panty liners, and panty shields are designed foradhesive attachment to the crotch portion of an undergarment. Thesearticles are normally constructed from several layers of different anddistinct materials which are vertically arranged. Such layers, from topto bottom, can include a liquid-pervious cover 90, an absorbent 92, aliquid-impermeable baffle 94, an adhesive 96 secured to a lower surfaceof the baffle 94, and a removable release strip 22 (FIG. 22) and 60(FIG. 23), respectively. Other layers, such as a transfer layer, awicking layer, a layer containing super-absorbent materials, andadditional absorbent layers can also be utilized.

The various layers can be vertically stacked, assembled, laminated,and/or bonded together to form the sheet or web of material from whichthe articles 12 and 52 are later cut or stamped out. The various layerscan be bonded together by using heat, pressure, heat and pressure,adhesive, a hot melt glue, stitching with thread, ultrasonic bonding,mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, chemical bonding, or a combinationof these and/or other means known to those skilled in the art.

The liquid-permeable cover 90 is designed to contact the body of thewearer and can be constructed of a woven or non-woven material which iseasily penetrated by body fluid. The liquid-permeable cover 90 can alsobe formed from either natural or synthetic fibers. Suitable materialsinclude bonded carded webs of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene,nylon, or other heat-bondable fibers. Other polyolefins, such ascopolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low-densitypolyethylene, finely-perforated film webs and net materials, also workwell. A preferred material is a composite of an apertured thermoplasticfilm positioned above a non-woven fabric material. Such a compositematerial can be formed by extrusion of a polymer onto a web of spunbondmaterial to form an integral sheet. One example of this material is anapertured, thermoplastic polyethylene film bonded to a spunbondmaterial. Spunbond material is a non-woven material which ismanufactured and commercially sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation havingan office located at 401 N. Lake Street, Neenah, Wis. 54956. Theapertured film/non-woven laminate exhibits a smooth appearance and issoft to the touch. This material is soft and does not irritate thewearer's skin and yet has a cushioned feel because of its bulk. Anothermaterial useful as the liquid-permeable cover 90 is a spunbond web ofpolypropylene. This spunbond web can contain from between about 1percent to about 6 percent of a whitening agent, such as titaniumdioxide (TiO₂) or calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to give it a clean, whiteappearance. A uniform thickness of spunbond is desirable because it willhave sufficient strength, after being perforated, to resist being tornor pulled apart during use. The most preferred polypropylene webs have abasis weight of between about 18 grams per square meter (g/m²) to about40 g/m². An optimum weight is between about 30 g/m² to about 40 g/m².

The absorbent layer 92 can be present as a single layer or as two ormore distinct layers. The absorbent layer 92 can be formed from variousnatural or synthetic fibers such as wood pulp fibers, virgin cellulosefibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, cotton fibers, peat moss, or ablend of pulp and other fibers. The absorbent layer 92 also could beformed from a fine pore fabric such as wet-laid, air-dried tissue orfrom an uncreped through air-dried (UCTAD) tissue having a basis weightof from about 30 g/m² to about 120 g/m². The UCTAD tissue can beprepared by a process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,589 issued toCrook et al. on Sep. 17, 1991. The UCTAD tissue is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,399,412 issued to Sudall et al. on Mar. 21, 1995. Each ofthese patents is incorporated by reference and made a part hereof. Theabsorbent layer 92 also may be comprised of other well-known materialssuch as cellulose fibers, rayon fibers, cellulose sponge, hydrophilicsynthetic sponge, for example polyurethane, and the like.

The liquid-impermeable baffle 94 is designed to permit the passage ofair or vapor out of the absorbent articles 12 and 52 while blocking thepassage of body fluid. The liquid-impermeable baffle 94 can be made fromany material having these properties. The baffle 94 also can beconstructed from a material that will block the passage of vapor as wellas fluids, if desired. A good material from which the liquid-impermeablebaffle 94 can be constructed is a micro-embossed, polymeric film, suchas polyethylene or polypropylene. Bi-component films can also be used. Apreferred material is polyethylene film. Most preferably, thepolyethylene film will have a thickness in the range of from about 0.5mm to about 2.0 mm.

It should be noted that construction adhesive can be used in the productto attach and bond the various layers together. For example,construction adhesive can be used to bond the liquid-impermeable baffle94 to the absorbent 92 or to bond the absorbent 92 to theliquid-permeable cover 90. The presence of such construction adhesiveand the amount used will depend upon manufacturing specifications.Useful construction adhesives are commercially sold by National Starchand Chemical Company, having an office located at 10 Finderne Ave.,Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.

The absorbent articles 12 and 52 also include one or more elongatedstrips or areas of garment attachment adhesive 96 secured to the bottomsurface of the liquid-permeable baffle 94. The garment attachmentadhesive 96 functions to attach the absorbent articles 12 and 52 to theinner crotch portion of an undergarment during use. The garmentattachment adhesive 96 enables the sanitary napkin or panty liner to beproperly aligned and retained relative to the user's vaginal opening sothat maximum fluid protection can be obtained. The garment attachmentadhesive 96 can cover the complete bottom surface of theliquid-impermeable baffle 94 or only a portion of it. The garmentattachment adhesive 96 can consist of a swirl pattern of adhesive or beone or more strips of adhesive. The garment attachment adhesive 96 alsocan consist of a plurality of adhesive dots which are randomly oruniformly arranged on the exterior surface of the baffle 94. When instrip form, the garment attachment adhesive 96 can be aligned along thecentral longitudinal axis X--X of the absorbent articles 12 and 52.Alternatively, the garment attachment adhesive 96 can be present as twoor more spaced apart longitudinal strips. The garment attachmentadhesive 96 is of such a nature that it will allow the user to removethe absorbent article 12 or 52 and reposition it on her undergarment ifneeded. A hot melt adhesive which works well as the garment attachmentadhesive is commercially sold by National Starch and Chemical Companyhaving an office located at 10 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.

In order to protect the garment attachment adhesive 96 fromcontamination prior to use, the adhesive 96 can be protected by areleasable peel strip 22 or 60. The releasable peel strip 22 or 60 canbe a white Kraft paper which is coated on one side so that it can bereleased from the adhesive 96. The coating can be a silicone coating,such as a silicone polymer commercially available from Akrosil having anoffice located at 206 Garfield Avenue, Menasha, Wis. 54952. The releasestrips 22 and 60 are designed to be removed by the user prior toattachment of the absorbent articles 12 and 52, respectively, to theinner crotch portion of her undergarment.

Referring now to FIGS. 45-47, the construction of a catamenial tampon 14component of the present invention is shown. The tampon 14 includes anabsorbent 108 which has been compressed into a generally cylindricalshape and a liquid-permeable cover 130 which surrounds or encloses atleast a portion of the absorbent 108. The tampon 14 can be constructedby positioning the absorbent 108 on the cover 130, as indicated in FIG.45 and then rolling the two layers into a generally cylindrical shape.This uncompressed cylindrical shape, shown in FIG. 46, is known as a"softwind." The softwind is then compressed into a tampon "pledget" 14as is shown in FIG. 47. It should be noted that it is also possiblefirst to roll the absorbent 108 into a generally cylindrical shape andthen wrap the liquid-permeable cover 130 around it. It also is possibleto roll up and compress the absorbent 108 before wrapping it in thecover 130.

The tampon "pledget" as shown as the catamenial tampon 14 in FIG. 47 isan internal sanitary protection device used for absorbing menses, blood,and other body fluids. The tampon 14 is normally used during a woman'smenstrual period to prevent leakage of menstrual fluid. The tampon 14includes an absorbent material, such as cotton, rayon, cellulosewadding, synthetic sponge, cellulose fluff, synthetic fibers, orcombinations thereof, which can be compressed into a generallycylindrical shape. The cylindrically shaped absorbent material isusually surrounded by a liquid-permeable cover. Catamenial tampons 14are available in a variety of sizes and shapes so as to accommodatedifferent size vaginal cavities. The tampons 14 are sufficientlycompressed to retain their sizes and shapes under normal atmosphericconditions but are designed to expand readily when wetted by body fluid.For example, after a tampon 14 is inserted into a woman's vaginal tractand is contacted by body fluid, the compressed tampon 14 attempts tore-expand approximately to it's original uncompressed size. Thisstructural change allows the tampon to fill the vaginal cavity andabsorb body fluid thereby preventing leakage.

Referring to FIG. 47, the tampon 14 further includes a withdrawal string132 which is secured to either the absorbent 108, the cover 130, or toboth and provides a safe and reliable means by which the tampon 14 canbe withdrawn from a woman's vagina after it has absorbed a certainamount of menstrual fluid. The withdrawal string 132 can be assembledwith the softwind, as depicted in FIG. 46, or it can be attached to thecompressed pledget, depending upon one's preference. In either case, thefree end of the withdrawal string 132 is tied in a knot 134 to assurethat it will not be separated from the pledget.

The absorbent 108 can be formed from absorbent fibers which are firstassembled into an absorbent ribbon or sheet. Alternatively, theabsorbent 108 can be formed from absorbent fibers which are assembledand compressed into a generally cylindrical configuration. The absorbent108 is preferably formed from cellulosic fibers, such as cotton andrayon. The absorbent can be 100% cotton, 100% rayon, or a blend of bothcotton and rayon. A ratio of from about 15% cotton and about 85% rayonworks well. The particular blend of fibers can vary depending on one'spreference.

The cotton fibers should have a staple length of between about 5 mm toabout 20 mm. The fibers can be bleached if desired. Bleaching will makethe fibers whiter in appearance. The cotton should generally have afiber size of between about 150 to about 280 microns.

The rayon fibers should have a staple length of between about 20 mm toabout 35 mm. The fibers can also be bleached if desired. The rayonfibers should have a denier of between about 25 to about 28. Denier is aunit of fineness of yarn based on a standard of 50 milligrams per 450meters of yarn.

The absorbent 108, when formed from an absorbent ribbon, is constructedfrom a blend of rayon and cotton fibers in a process known to thoseskilled in the art as "carding." Depending upon the desired absorbencyone desires in the finished tampon, the basis weight of the absorbentribbon can vary. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has setabsorbency standards for "regular," "super," and "super-plus" sizetampons. In order to meet these standards for the three above-identifiedsizes, the absorbent ribbons are targeted to have basis weights of about127 grams per square meter (g/m²), 170 g/m², and 230 g/m², respectively.Typically, the carding process is controlled to produce an absorbentribbon with a width of about 50 mm for a "regular" size tampon and awidth of about 55mm for both the "super" and "super-plus" size tampons.During the assembly process, one end of the rectangular absorbent ribbonhaving a length of about 300 mm is positioned over a portion of thecover 130. The two materials then are rolled up into a generallycylindrically shape. This rolling action will cause the absorbent 108 tobe located on the interior and be surrounded by the cover 130. The cover130 will surround the exterior surface of the softwind and can overlapupon itself, if desired. The cover 130 can be bonded, as indicated bynumeral 136, to itself and/or to the absorbent ribbon 108 using heat,pressure, or a combination of heat and pressure. The softwind then iscompressed into a finished tampon pledges 14. Preferably, the bonding136 will occur during the compression step.

The cover 130 can be formed from woven or non-woven materials having aporous substrate. Woven materials include textile fabrics and non-wovenmaterials include spunbond and bended carded webs. Both of thesenon-woven materials are commercially sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation,401 N. Lake Street, Neenah, Wis. 54956. Another non-woven material whichcan be used as the cover 130 is formed from 100 percent polyester fibersheld tegether by a binder. This polyester fibers material is known aspowder-bonded-carded web (PBCW) and also is available fromKimberly-Clark Corporation in Neenah, Wis.

The withdrawal string 132 can be constructed from various types ofthreads or ribbons. A thread made from 100 percent cotton fibers workswell. The withdrawal string 132 normally has a length extending beyondone end of the tampon 14 from about 2 inches to about 8 inches (about50.8 mm to about 203.2 mm), preferably from about 4 inches to about 6inches (about 102 mm to about 152.4 mm), and most preferably, about 5inches (127 mm). The withdrawal string 132 can be dyed and treated withan anti-wicking agent, such as wax, before being secured to the softwindor pledget to prevent it from wicking menstrual fluid. A dry, cleanwithdrawal string 132 is preferred by the user when she goes to removethe tampon 14.

Referring now to FIG. 48, the tampon applicator components of thepresent invention are constructed to provide a pair of elongated,concentric, telescoping tubes so that the outer tube can carry thetampon's absorbent material, the tampon's "pledget," while the innertube serves as a plunger for dispensing the pledget.

The tampon applicator components for use in the packaging of the presentinvention are formed from either a plastic or paper. Plastic tamponapplicators are preferred by many women because of a molded-in grip ringand a petal-shaped forward end which facilitates insertion of theapplicator article while retaining and protecting the tampon while inthe outer tube. Plastic tampon applicators typically are formed frompolyethylene using injection molding.

A convenient place to dispose of a tampon applicator is in a toiletbowl. However, currently available commercial plastic applicators formedof polyethylene are ill-suited for such disposal. Presently availablecommercial plastic applicators of polyethylene will flush, but theysettle in septic tanks without decomposing. They accumulate on screensin waste-water treatment plants, creating blockages. If the screensdon't stop the applicator articles, they can escape into the environmentintact, washing up on beaches. Plastic applicators don't always float sothey can't be skimmed, and they don't settle to the bottom of settlingtanks.

The novel feminine sanitary protection packaging of the presentinvention provides a solution for these problems in providing means fordisposing of the tampon applicators without causing these problems.

Referring to FIG. 48, a tampon applicator 100 includes an outer tubularmember 34 and a plunger 35. The outer tube 34 preferably is fabricatedto include a one-piece main cylindrical body 112 extending into four orfive flexible petal tips 109 disposed on the front end of the outer tube34. A finger grip ring 116 is formed on the opposite end of the outertube 34. The tampon applicator further includes the plunger 35 having aplunger body 122 adapted to serve as an inner tubular member. Theplunger 35 has finger grip ring 126. The plunger 35 is designed to urgea pledget (not shown), housed in the hollow cylindrical body 112 of theouter tubular member 34, through the open petal tips 109 and further toinsert the pledget into a woman's vagina. The insertion end 124 of theplunger 35 pushes against the tampon so as to expel it from the outertube 34. The plunger 35 has structural guide ridges 128.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with severalembodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this inventionis intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, andvariations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

We claim:
 1. A feminine sanitary protection package, comprising:(a) avaginal insertion device; (b) a sanitary napkin or panty linerconfigured to fit the pudendal region of a woman, said sanitary napkinor panty liner rolled laterally around said vaginal insertion device toform a laterally rolled combination sanitary napkin or panty liner andvaginal insertion device; and (c) a pouch positioned around saidlaterally rolled vaginal insertion device and sanitary napkin or pantyliner combination, wherein said pouch provides a means for transportingand disposing of said laterally rolled combination sanitary napkin orpanty liner and vaginal insertion device.
 2. The feminine sanitaryprotection package of claim 1 wherein said sanitary napkin comprises anultrathin pad.
 3. The feminine sanitary protection package of claim 1wherein said sanitary napkin comprises a maxipad.
 4. The femininesanitary protection package of claim 1 wherein said vaginal insertiondevice comprises a tampon with or without a tampon applicator.
 5. Thefeminine sanitary protection package of claim 1 wherein said vaginalinsertion device comprises a vaginal suppository with or without avaginal suppository applicator.
 6. The feminine sanitary protectionpackage of claim 1 wherein said pouch provides a release strip for saidsanitary napkin or panty liner.
 7. The feminine sanitary protectionpackage of claim 1 wherein said pouch is sealed.
 8. The femininesanitary protection package of claim 1 wherein said pouch is perforatedon at least one closed end.
 9. The feminine sanitary protection packageof claim 1 wherein said pouch is composed of polyethylene.
 10. A methodfor providing a feminine care sanitary protection package comprising thesteps of:(a) providing a vaginal insertion device; (b) providing asanitary napkin or panty liner configured to fit the pudendal region ofa woman, said sanitary napkin or panty liner rolled laterally aroundsaid vaginal insertion device to form a laterally rolled combinationsanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insertion device; and (c)establishing a pouch around said laterally rolled combination sanitarynapkin or panty liner and insertion device, wherein said pouch providesfor transporting and disposing of said laterally rolled combinationsanitary napkin or panty liner and vaginal insertion device.
 11. Themethod for providing a feminine care sanitary protection package as setforth in claim 10 wherein said sanitary napkin comprises an ultrathinpad.
 12. The method for providing a feminine care sanitary protectionpackage as set forth in claim 10 wherein said sanitary napkin comprisesa maxipad.
 13. The method for providing a feminine care sanitaryprotection package as set forth in claim 10 wherein said vaginalinsertion device comprises a tampon with or without a tampon applicator.14. The method for providing a feminine care sanitary protection packageas set forth in claim 10 wherein said vaginal insertion device comprisesa vaginal suppository with or without a vaginal suppository applicator.15. The method for providing a feminine care sanitary protection packageas set forth in claim 10 wherein said establishing a pouch around saidlaterally rolled combination sanitary napkin or panty liner andinsertion device further comprises providing a release strip for saidsanitary napkin or panty liner.
 16. A feminine sanitary protectionpackage, comprising:(a) a vaginal insertion device; (b) a sanitarynapkin or panty liner configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman,said sanitary napkin or panty liner rolled laterally around said vaginalinsertion device to form a laterally rolled combination sanitary napkinor panty liner and vaginal insertion device; (c) a release strip on saidsanitary napkin or panty liner; and (d) a pouch positioned around saidlaterally rolled vaginal insertion device and sanitary napkin or pantyliner combination, wherein said pouch provides a means for transportingand disposing of said laterally rolled combination sanitary napkin orpanty liner and vaginal insertion device, and further wherein said pouchis provided by said release strip on said sanitary napkin or pantyliner.
 17. The feminine sanitary protection package of claim 16 whereinsaid sanitary napkin comprises an ultrathin pad.
 18. The femininesanitary protection package of claim 16 wherein said sanitary napkincomprises a maxipad.
 19. The feminine sanitary protection package ofclaim 17 wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises a tampon withor without a tampon applicator.
 20. The feminine sanitary protectionpackage of claim 18 wherein said vaginal insertion device comprises avaginal suppository with or without a vaginal suppository applicator.